"Guide to Playing Monster Hunter Games Sequentially"

A year after celebrating its 20th anniversary, Capcom's iconic monster-hunting franchise is set to make a thrilling return in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series has evolved through multiple generations of home and portable consoles, achieving new heights with the critically acclaimed Monster Hunter World in 2018 and Monster Hunter Rise in 2021. These titles not only became the best-selling games in the series but also Capcom's top-selling games of all time.

As Monster Hunter Wilds gears up for its release on February 28, 2025, it's a perfect time to reflect on the franchise's rich history. We've compiled a chronological list of the 12 most significant Monster Hunter games, focusing on the core titles that have shaped the series.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Are There?

There are over 25 Monster Hunter games, including base games, spinoffs, mobile entries, and enhanced versions. For our list, we've selected the 12 most relevant Monster Hunter games, excluding mobile- and arcade-exclusive titles (like Monster Hunter i and Monster Hunter Spirits), discontinued MMOs (such as Monster Hunter Frontier and Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-exclusive, FromSoftware-developed game, Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.

Every IGN Monster Hunter Review

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Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?

With no continuous storyline across the Monster Hunter franchise, you have the freedom to start with any game. If you're planning to dive into the series in 2025, consider waiting for the buzz around Monster Hunter Wilds, set to launch on February 28. For those eager to experience the series sooner, we recommend starting with Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise. World is ideal for those who enjoy exploration and immersion, while Rise is perfect for those who value speed and fluid gameplay.

Out February 28

Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition

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Every Monster Hunter Game in Release Order

Monster Hunter (2004)

The original Monster Hunter laid the groundwork for the franchise, introducing key systems that would define the series. Players could undertake quests to hunt monsters, using materials from the world and defeated monsters to craft and upgrade weapons and armor. An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, was released exclusively in Japan the following year.

Monster Hunter

Capcom Production Studio 1

Mar 11, 2004

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Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced port of Monster Hunter G for the PSP, marked the series' shift to portable consoles. It sold over a million copies, setting a trend where portable versions outsold home console counterparts until Monster Hunter World broke through in 2018.

Monster Hunter Freedom

Capcom Production Studio 1

Dec 1, 2005

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Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Returning to home consoles, Monster Hunter 2 (also known as Monster Hunter Dos) introduced a day-night cycle and gems, enhancing weapon and armor customization. It was released exclusively in Japan for the PS2.

Monster Hunter 2

Capcom Production Studio 1

Feb 16, 2006

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Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)

Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld game, built on the foundation of Monster Hunter 2 with new content and a focus on single-player. It was further expanded in 2008 with Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, which added new monsters, missions, maps, and the ability to have a Felyne fighter join the player.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2

Capcom Production Studio 1

Feb 22, 2007

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